I agree with PP - Brown dolls are good for everyone.

I am bi-racial and have always gotten dolls of color for little girls whether the kids are white or of color. There is no shortage of white dolls in the world, I'm sure they have at least one. I would definitely buy brown dolls.

Anonymous wrote:Even if the kids have dolls in their list, can't you just get them something like art and craft kits? They're pretty neutral.

OP here. You're saying I should disregard the specific wish lists I received from the families and get something else just because I think it would be better? That seems pretty presumptuous, no? In any case -- there are several items on the lists so this is not the only gift each child will receive. I am planning on 2-3 toys, 3-4 books, and 2-3 clothing items per kid. It's Christmas after all. But none of the gifts will be arts and crafts kits, because that's not what the kids are specifically hoping Santa will bring this year.

Anonymous wrote:Even if the kids have dolls in their list, can't you just get them something like art and craft kits? They're pretty neutral.

OP here. You're saying I should disregard the specific wish lists I received from the families and get something else just because I think it would be better? That seems pretty presumptuous, no? In any case -- there are several items on the lists so this is not the only gift each child will receive. I am planning on 2-3 toys, 3-4 books, and 2-3 clothing items per kid. It's Christmas after all. But none of the gifts will be arts and crafts kits, because that's not what the kids are specifically hoping Santa will bring this year.

Anonymous wrote:Even if the kids have dolls in their list, can't you just get them something like art and craft kits? They're pretty neutral.

Why would she do this?

Even if the kids have dolls in their list, can't you just get them something like art and craft kits? They're pretty neutral.

AA dolls. The brand baby Stella has really nice lively soft dolls and has an AA one that isn't too dark (if you're worried you have the race wrong).

I'd get AA dolls.

OP here. Thanks for the replies. My gut was to get the A-A dolls but I wanted to run it by DCUM as I knew I would get an unvarnished opinion

Anonymous wrote:As they are gifts, get the race of the recipient. I am black and don't hesitate to get my daughter white doll babies, but if I were giving a gift to a (black) stranger, I'd get a black doll.

+1

I would get a Disney Princess (Princess Tiana http://www.toysrus.com/product/index.jsp?productId=4391433 ), Doc McStuffins doll, or a Dora doll.

You are right, not every AA family only wants AA dolls and there is always the possibility that they are biracial. Not to get overly complicated but I wouldn't worry so much about making the doll look like them because skin complexions vary so much.

I don't think this is a racist question. It's very considerate of you to think of the race of the doll. I'd buy them black dolls, too.

Anonymous wrote:As they are gifts, get the race of the recipient. I am black and don't hesitate to get my daughter white doll babies, but if I were giving a gift to a (black) stranger, I'd get a black doll.

BTW, thank you for your generosity. I, too, am adopting a family for the holidays. I'm sure the girls will be pleased with whatever you give.

As they are gifts, get the race of the recipient. I am black and don't hesitate to get my daughter white doll babies, but if I were giving a gift to a (black) stranger, I'd get a black doll.

I signed up to "adopt a family" for Christmas through my office, and I have received the first names and wish lists of two sisters. Based on their names (as well as the demographics of the poor in our area), I am almost certain they are African-American. Both girls have a "baby doll" as the top thing on their wish list. I've found a couple of cute dolls that come in both African-American and Caucasian versions. Obviously kids can have dolls of different races but I do want to get something they are going to love, especially if they don't have a ton of toys. Which dolls should I buy?

(Slam me for being racist if you want but if you knew me you would know that's not the case. It's a fact that certain first names are more commonly used in certain racial or ethnic groups. I'm just trying to buy dolls these little girls will enjoy.)